Know your genotype and its implications before you get married
Knowledge of Genotype has become one of the most discussed topics among people seeking to make life partners.
What then is Genotype?
According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, a genotype is an individual’s collection of genes. It defines two alleles inherited for a particular gene. The resulting phenotype (individual observable traits/features) is an expression of the genotype.
There are six (6) genotypes identified. They include;
A and S are traditionally considered normal and sickled alleles respectively. There is also a third allele C considered to be susceptible and it combines with normal allele A and sickle allele S to produce other genotypes.
AA is normal but susceptible to malaria, AS individuals are not severely debilitated, but they are resistant to malaria, SS individuals are severely affected and rarely survive to reproduce. AC is normal but susceptible to malaria, SC has mild anemia and CC is normal and resistant to malaria.
Sickle cell is a great concern to people as it presents different issues that can psychologically, socially, and economically affect individuals. It is therefore very important to understand your genotype and that of your partner before you decide on giving birth. People with sickle cell usually experience severe bodily pains where oxygen flow is compromised due to the blockage in the blood vessels.
The chart below explains the various genotypes and their combined effects. From the chart, it can be seen that people with AA genotype are safe to marry persons with any of the genotypes. With the exception of AA, the compatibility of AS, SS, and AC is very risky and therefore requires advice from health professionals.
| Genotype 1 | Genotype 2 | Possible Outcome | Remark |
| AA | AA | AA, AA, AA, AA | Safe/Excellent |
| AA | AS | AA, AS, AA, AS | Safe/Good |
| AA | SS | AS, AS, AS, AS | Fair |
| AA | AC | AA, AA, AA, AC | Safe/Good |
| AS | AS | AA, AS, AS, SS | Risky/Very Bad |
| AS | SS | AS, SS, SS, SS | Risky/Very Bad |
| AS | AC | AA, AC, AS,SS | Bad; seek advice |
| SS | SS | SS, SS, SS, SS | Very Risky/Very Bad |
| AC | SS | AS, AS, SS, SS | Risky/Very Bad |
| AC | AC | AA, AC, AC, SS | Bad; seek advice |
It is therefore very important to run some blood tests with your partner to be sure of your genotypes and their implications. Health professionals can advise you on the best ways to handle the situation.
